What is the big deal about parabens? Recently, I’m hearing more and more about the parabens, phthalates, and other nasty ingredients commonly found in shampoos, lotions, and other personal care products. I often used products that contained parabens, such as body wash. After all, it smells so great, how could it negatively affect your health? Unfortunately, my dismissal of the toxic properties of parabens has proven sophomoric behavior, as I research and personally have suffered the effects of these compounds. Every time I use body wash for an extended period of time, I feel MUCH more unbalanced, and I even have hormonal spotting.
The Breast Cancer Fund’s website gives us a good look at the definition of a parabens and why parabens negatively affect health. For starters, parabens are used as preservatives since they help to prevent ingredients from mold and other spoilage. Parabens are labeled an “endocrine disruptor” since they act as an estrogen. The site continues to report that these toxins were discovered in samples from breast tumor biopsies, and that more parabens were found in women’s urine samples than men’s. Wonder if that has anything to do with the many paraben-containing beauty products in a woman’s routine?
Well, what if you decide to make the choice to “clean house” and avoid parabens from here on out? There is a fantastic product that I use called “Shea Moisture–Avocado and Green Tea Body Wash and Bubble Bath.” Yes, my friends, and I use it for EVERYTHING. It detoxes the body with the green tea polyphenols, and you can use it as a shampoo, body wash, AND bubble bath. I get mine from Walgreens. It costs around $10, but it lasts forever.
If you prefer soap, check out a nifty little thing called African Black Soap. It cleans and detoxifies the skin, smells great, and is also manufactured by “Shea Moisture.” So, there you have it–two ways to avoid parabens in your daily routine.
I’m learning more and more about paraben-free makeups and will produce a list of products as I discover them. Until then, stay happy and healthy!
–Katie Mayo
Source: http://www.breastcancerfund.org/clear-science/radiation-chemicals-and-breast-cancer/parabens.html
pocketful of dimes 